Writing
“You can make anything by writing.”
CS Lewis
Writing News!
500 Word Competition 2024. Linked to the BBC’s own 500 Word Competition, some of our pupils wrote amazing stories. Mr Monkman and the Reading Champions chose a winner from each year group. Below are the winners which were submitted to the BBC competition.
We were absolutely blown away by the creativity, imagination and quality of the stories! Have a look for yourself below...
- Year One
- Year Two
- Year Three
- Year 4 (part 1)
- Year 4 (part 2)
- Year 5 (part 1)
- Year 5 (part 2)
- Year 6 (part 1)
- Year 6 (part 2)
Oracy
Oracy refers to the ability to communicate effectively through speech. It involves using language to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings, and to interact with others in a way that is clear, coherent, and appropriate. At Kerr Mackie, we recognise the huge importance oracy plays in supporting children to become effective communicators and writers.
To ensure that there is a cohesive progression of oracy skills, we have created a progression document, based on the 'Voice 21' resources for schools. Please click the image below to view our progression of oracy of skills.
Progression in handwriting
- Nursery focuses on mark making.
- Reception focuses on pencil grip and initial letter formation.
- Year 1 perfect letter formation, including lead-ins.
- Year 2 once letter size and formation is consistent, many Year 2 pupils will learn their initial joins.
- Year 3 and 4 continue to be taught to join.
- Year 5 and 6 refine their handwriting, by developing legibility, speed and stamina. Pupils whose handwriting is under-developed will be sent additional homework to help them catch-up.
Kerr Mackie Writing Sequence
In order to ensure that all pupils receive an effective writing 'diet', each class follows a 3 week writing sequence. This sequence aligns with 3 of our C's: Curiosity, Confidence and Challenge. During the writing sequence, pupils are exposed to high quality age-appropriate texts, examine a model text of the genre called a WAGOLL (what a good one looks like) and engage with oracy lessons throughout to ensure that they practice the skills required.
Please click the image below to view our writing sequence for Key Stage One and Key Stage Two
Spelling
As part of the new National Curriculum children are expected to learn compulsory lists of spellings. Through learning spelling rules and by looking at word meanings, it is expected that all children will be able to spell these words by the time they leave KS2.
In addition there are two sets of high frequency words which are taught in KS1. By the beginning of Year 3 all children should be able to spell the words on these lists.
These words can be viewed by clicking on the images below.
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- Children enjoy their Writing lessons and talk positively about their progress in their learning.
- Children of all abilities can talk confidently about story ideas.
- Children are more resilient when writing and creating ideas.
- Children make good progress throughout school and can reach their full potential in Writing.
- Children develop a greater understanding of different parts of speech and how they can be best utilised in different areas of Writing.
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